Monaghan Coaching & Games Development Coaching staff implemented a six week After School Gaelic Football Programme from November 15th to December 13th. The purpose of this initative was to identify talent within 6th class students around the county and also give these players an opportunity to play Gaelic Games during the winter months. For organisational purposes an to ensure that participants got the best learning experience possible it was decided that the county would be divided into 4 regions when rolling out the programme. So North and South regions was delivered from November to December and East and west will be rolled out during February 2012.
In the North region the venue used was the indoor facilities at Scotstown GAA club. On average 28 boys attend each session. These players were from 9 different schools: Threemilehouse, Corcaghan, Edenmore, Gaelscoil Ultain, Leitrim, Corracrin, Urbleshanny, Tydavnet and Knockatallen. For the South region two venues where used due to the large number of boys interested in taking part. The venues were Inver College and Patrician High School. On average there were 45 boys attend each session. These players were from 12 different schools; Carrickmacross BNS, Gaelscoil Rois, Broomfield, Lisdoonan, Aughnafarcon, Inniskeen, Blackstaff, Donaghmoyne, Corduff, Mullaghrafferty, Ballynagearn and Killanny. County Coaching staff Colin Malone & Marty Corey were assisted by county players Darren Hughes, Conor Mc Manus and Dessie Mone when delivering the programme. In addition to this Paudie Finnegan, Paddy Martin and Micheal Henry gave there time and expertise to coach the participants.
I would like to take this opportunity to thanks Scotstown GFC, Inver College and Patrician High School for the use of their excellent facilities. Furthermore I would like to thank all the coaches & county players for giving up there time and sharing there knowledge with the participants. Finally I would like to thank the Schools, Clubs, parents and players for ensuring the programme was a succses. As stated earlier plans are in place to roll this programme out in February in East & West regions. Furthermore a simular piliot programme will delivered for 5th & 6th class students in Hurling in the New Year.
